countyscore
53
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.9Water Quality 86Safety 83.9

County Report Card

About Wichita County, Kansas

Strong Livability Above the Median

Wichita County earns a composite score of 58.1, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of stability and affordability.

A High-Ranking Kansas County

The county's 58.1 score is nearly nine points higher than the state average of 49.5. It is a top performer in the western portion of the state.

Exceptional Safety and Disaster Resilience

Wichita County excels with a Risk Score of 91.9 and a Safety Score of 83.9. It also maintains a strong Water Score of 86.0 and healthy median incomes of $71,282.

Health Outcomes and Tax Rates

The Health Score of 30.8 is the county's primary concern, indicating a need for better wellness access. The Tax Score of 14.5 also reflects a higher-than-average property tax burden.

Best for Secure, High-Income Rural Life

Wichita County is a great fit for families who want a safe, disaster-resistant environment with good pay. The $98,700 median home value makes it very accessible for middle-class buyers.

204060801005.45183.930.861.780.391.98637.5Tax5.4Cost51Safety83.9Health30.8Schools61.7Income80.3Risk91.9Water86Weather37.553/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Wichita County DNA

Foverall

How Wichita County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wichita County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (5.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
5.4-46.6
Cost
51
Safety
83.9+28.900000000000006
Health
30.8-19.2
Schools
61.7
Income
80.3+29.299999999999997
Risk
91.9+44.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
37.5-18.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wichita County?

Many homeowners in Wichita County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$99,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$942/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$99,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,063/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Scott County
Kansas
55.4
Greeley County
Kansas
55.7
Logan County
Kansas
55.6
Kearny County
Kansas
47.7
Wallace County
Kansas
65.2
Hamilton County
Kansas
51.6
Lane County
Kansas
58.9
Finney County
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26.4

Deep Dives

Wichita County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wichita County

via TaxByCounty

Wichita County taxes below national median

At 1.468%, Wichita County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.55%, placing it in the lower half of all U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,449 is just over half the national median of $2,690.

Competitive with Kansas average

Wichita County's 1.468% rate is slightly below Kansas's 1.549% state average. The median tax of $1,449 is well below the statewide median of $1,943, offering favorable tax treatment by state standards.

Among the lower-taxed in the group

Wichita County's 1.468% rate places it near the middle of this eight-county comparison, slightly above Thomas County and Wabaunsee but below Wallace County. It represents a reasonable option in the western Kansas tax landscape.

Affordable taxes on modest homes

The median home in Wichita County is valued at $98,700, with annual property taxes of $1,449. That's approximately $121 per month—among the lowest absolute tax burdens in the region.

Double-check your assessed value

Even low-tax counties experience assessment errors that cost homeowners money over time. A simple property tax appeal could uncover whether your assessed value aligns with similar homes in your area and unlock additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wichita County

via IncomeByCounty

Wichita County Reaches Near Parity

Wichita County's median household income of $71,282 sits about $3,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just shy of the national middle. For an isolated county in the high plains, this is a strong achievement.

Top Tier in Kansas Earnings

At $71,282, Wichita County's median income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 11%, ranking it among the state's higher-earning counties. The per capita income of $35,838 slightly exceeds the state average, indicating reasonably broad-based prosperity.

Leading the Panhandle Economically

Wichita County's $71,282 income substantially outpaces Wallace ($60,263) and Greeley counties to the west, establishing it as an economic anchor in the northwest panhandle. Only Thomas and Trego counties rival Wichita's earning power in the region.

Affordable Housing Supports Stability

Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is reasonable, and the median home value of just $98,700 makes homeownership accessible on local incomes. Housing affordability provides genuine breathing room for household budgets.

Turn Income Stability Into Assets

Wichita County's combination of strong income and low housing costs creates an ideal foundation for wealth-building through homeownership, retirement savings, and modest investment. Financial literacy programs can help residents convert income into lasting assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wichita County

via CrimeByCounty

Wichita County's Elite Safety Score

Wichita County secures an excellent safety score of 99.4, placing it well ahead of the national average. The total crime rate of 375.4 per 100,000 residents is far lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Surpassing State Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score nearly 1.5 points higher than the Kansas average of 98.0, the county is a model of rural safety. Its crime rate of 375.4 is roughly 70% lower than the state average.

Stability in the High Plains

Wichita County is significantly safer than neighboring Thomas County at 1,542.9 and mirrors the low-crime profile of Wallace County. It offers one of the most stable environments in the High Plains region.

Property and Violent Crime Data

Violent crime is recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 for 2022, while property crime is also low at 375.4. This data suggests that criminal activity in the county is largely limited to minor property issues.

Ongoing Community Partnership

Maintaining this level of safety requires continuous community partnership between residents and local agencies. Residents can enhance their peace of mind by installing smart home systems to monitor their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wichita County

via WeatherByCounty

Wichita County's arid continental climate

Wichita County averages 52.3°F annually, falling just below the national median. With only 19.3 inches of annual precipitation, it is one of the driest regions in the country compared to the national average.

Significant rainfall deficits vs Kansas norms

Wichita County is significantly drier than the Kansas average, receiving 11 inches less precipitation than the state's 30.3-inch mean. It also trends cooler than the state average of 54.8°F.

A snowy outlier in the west

It is drier than both Wallace and Trego counties, marking it as a particularly arid part of western Kansas. However, it receives the most snowfall among its neighbors, averaging 23.8 inches per year.

Extreme heat meets snowy winters

The county sees 60 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging 76.8°F. Winters are snowy and cold, with 23.8 inches of snow and a winter average of 31.4°F.

Conserving water and clearing snow

Water conservation and drought-resistant landscaping are vital given the low 19.3 inches of annual rain. Residents should also be prepared for heavy winter weather with robust snow removal tools for the driveway.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wichita County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Agricultural Silt Loams

Wichita County is characterized by silt loam soils belonging to the Mollisol order, the most productive soil order in the world. The pH of 7.60 is notably alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. This high pH is common in western Kansas where minerals remain near the surface.

Balanced Texture for Heavy Farming

The composition is 49.0% silt, 29.1% sand, and 21.9% clay. This specific silt loam texture is prized by farmers for its ability to hold moisture while remaining easy to plow. It provides a stable, aerated environment for deep crop roots to flourish.

Strong Water Capacity in Dry Soil

Organic matter is somewhat low at 1.72%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is higher than the Kansas state average. This means the soil is surprisingly good at capturing and holding onto the region's limited rainfall.

Reliable Well-Drained Land

The land is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This group indicates a moderate infiltration rate, providing a good balance between moisture retention and runoff prevention. These conditions are ideal for preventing the root rot that can occur in soggier soils.

Sun-Loving Crops in Zone 6a

Wichita County is located in zone 6a, where heat-loving crops like melons and beans perform well. Focus on plants that can handle alkaline soil and the bright Kansas sun. Your garden will thrive if you utilize the soil's natural ability to store water deeply.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wichita County

via LawnByCounty

Careful Water Management in Wichita County

Wichita County records a lawn difficulty score of 50.2, placing it right at the national median for effort. This zone 6a region requires more intensive care than the average Kansas county to maintain vibrant turf.

Western Kansas Sun and Arid Air

With only 19.3 inches of annual rain, this is the driest county in this group. You will need to manage 60 extreme heat days per year, which can quickly dehydrate lawns that aren't properly established.

Working with Well-Drained Silt Loams

The soil is a well-drained silt loam, which is generally positive for root health but requires steady watering in this dry climate. A pH of 7.60 indicates alkalinity that might limit the success of acid-loving grass varieties.

Battling 11 Weeks of Drought

Wichita County faced 11 weeks of drought recently, underscoring the need for xeriscaping or drought-hardy turf. Using smart irrigation controllers can help you provide exactly what the lawn needs during these dry spells.

Choose the Right Grass for Wichita

Buffalo grass is the gold standard for this arid 6a zone due to its incredible drought tolerance. Be prepared to seed after May 2nd to ensure young sprouts aren't nipped by a late-season freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wichita County's county score?
Wichita County, Kansas has a composite county score of 53 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Wichita County rank among counties in Kansas?
Wichita County ranks #44 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Wichita County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Wichita County is $1,728, with an effective tax rate of 1.74%. This earns Wichita County a tax score of 5.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wichita County?
The median household income in Wichita County, Kansas is $79,063 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wichita County earns an income score of 80.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wichita County, Kansas a good place to live?
Wichita County scores 53/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Wichita County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Wichita County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.